Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Murphy's Obituary
On Friday, February 20, 2026, our mother, Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Murphy, passed away peacefully in her home after a courageous battle with Dementia. She was 94. She is predeceased by her husband of over 50 years, Jack, her daughter, Elaine, her son-in-law, Allen, her brothers, John and Bob, and her parents, James and Gladys O’Hagan.
She is survived by her daughters, Corinne, Karen, Jayne (Doug), her son John (Dianne), her grandchildren, Sarah, Kelly (Nolan), Brooke, and Matthew, and 2 great grandchildren, Nolan and Kennedy.
Betty was born in Indianapolis, IN, on September 2, 1931, but was raised in Scarsdale, New York. She is a graduate of Eastchester High School and Georgetown Visitation College. While in Washington, D.C., for college, she met what would become her husband and our father, John (Jack) Murphy. They married in 1954. After her parents’ untimely passings, Jack’s return from Korea, her brothers completing college, and giving birth to her first 3 children, she moved to South Miami, Florida, where she had 2 more children and spent 62 years in the house they bought in 1960.
Mom was a devoted wife, mother, and friend. She was a founding member of St. Thomas the Apostle parish and school. She served in ministries, including Ascending Life, where she practiced her gift of hospitality and service. She was an avid bowler from the 1960’s and well into her senior years. She had a passion for Habitat for Humanity and the Respect Life Movement.
For the first 20 years of raising children, mom was a full-time housewife and mother, completely involved with her children’s schooling, scouting, hostessing gatherings, and involvement at St. Thomas.
When her youngest was 8 years old, she decided to go “back to work” and became the medical insurance secretary for Dr. Joel Levin, whom she worked for 20 years.
After retirement, she and dad enjoyed a few years of travel and leisure before becoming widowed in 2004. She then spent many years enjoying good times with her children, grandchildren, and dear friends.
The Dementia started at age 87. We sold her house in 2022, and she moved in with Karen, where she lived under the careful watch of her daughters and wonderful, attentive caregivers.
She will be missed beyond measure, but her legacy of love and faith and purpose will remain a treasured gift.
If interested in a donation, please choose a charity of your choice or her favorites, Habitat for Humanity or Respect Life.
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